KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday pledged that places of worship for Indians will be protected and respected.

Abdullah's pledge came in the form of Barisan Nasional advertisements in all local Tamil dailies yesterday, prompting MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu to say that the move was an "added assurance" to the Indian community.

Samy Vellu said Abdullah's assurance, coupled with the assurances from the state BN government leaders, will ensure continued development and existence of places of worship.

Samy Vellu also welcomed Abdullah's pledge that more efforts will be taken to recruit more Indians into the civil service.
This is just one of the numerous pledges Abdullah has made to improve the situation of the Indians in the country.

Others included meeting the educational needs of Indian children, improving further the quality of teaching and facilities in Tamil schools, improving services and facilities for low-income and urban poor families and enhancing the business opportunities for the Indian community.

"The BN government is a caring government. It looks after the interest of all the communities," said Samy Vellu, adding that pledges made by Abdullah will ensure the creation of more equitable opportunities for the Indians.

"These are not mere promises but decisions that will be implemented with the co-operation of MIC. MIC will ensure that these decisions are carried out according to the prime minister's directive within the next five years and thereafter," he said.

Samy Vellu said that Abdullah's pledge has reinforced what BN has been doing for the people for the past 50 years.

source: nst